In 1975, Jose Leonilson embarked on his artistic journey, commencing his studies under the guidance of Julio Plaza at the Armando Álvares Penteado Foundation in São Paulo, the city he relocated to in 1962. During the 1980s, he ventured to Europe, initially settling in Madrid, Spain, and subsequently in Milan and Bologna, Italy. In 1983, Jose Leonilson returned to Brazil, where he actively participated in various exhibitions, contributing significantly to the art scene. He showcased his work at the Salão Nacional de Artes Plásticas in Rio de Janeiro (1983) and the exhibition “Como Vai Você, Geração 80?” at the Escola de Artes Visuais do Parque Lage (1984).
His presence was also noted at the São Paulo Biennial in 1985 and the Panorama of Current Brazilian Art show at the Museum of Modern Art in São Paulo in 1989. On the international stage, he took part in Arco, the International Contemporary Art Fair in Madrid, Spain (1984), and the Paris Biennale (1985). Jose Leonilson held numerous solo exhibitions in both Brazil and Europe. In 1997, as part of the RioArte Vídeo series, Karen Harley created a film that delved into the artist’s intimate universe, titled “With the Whole Ocean to Swim In.” Furthermore, in 2002, a dedicated room honored his work at the exhibition “Ceará Rediscovers Brazil” at Centro Dragão do Mar in Fortaleza. Jose Leonilson’s artistic contributions continue to resonate within the art world, leaving an enduring impact.
